THE SPECIALTY OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY

The more commonly known name for an otolaryngologist is an ear, nose and throat doctor. However, today’s otolaryngologist receives broad training in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the head and neck, making the name ENT doctor obsolete.

Today’s otolaryngologists are trained in:

Laryngology: Treatment of patients suffering from voice and swallowing disorders caused by benign or other malignant conditions affecting the vocal cords and other vocal/swallowing tract structures.

Maxillofacial and Reconstructive Surgery: Treatment of patients with abnormalities of the face and mouth, including a variety of problems from birth defects (such as cleft palate) to accidents causing disfigurement, to removal of tumors involving the tissues of the mouth. We also perform surgical procedures to reshape the facial structures to improve appearance and function, and other procedures to provide a youthful appearance.

Nose and Sinus Allergy: Diagnosis and treatment of patients with symptoms and manifestations of nose and sinus allergies, including hay fever and other inhalant seasonal and perennial allergies which are present all year round. Technological advances in this field have led to the development of minimally invasive procedures.

Oncology: Treatment of cancer of the head and neck, which may involve surgery, radiation therapy and or/chemotherapy. The otolaryngologist works closely with medical and radiation oncologists to design the best possible treatment program.

Otology: Medical and/or surgical treatment of diseases and conditions of the ear, such as ear infections, balance problems, dizziness or hearing problems.

Plastic Surgery: Similar to reconstructive surgery except that the surgery is often done for cosmetic purposes. Plastic surgery is important for patients who have been victims of disfiguring accidents and for those who wish to have a more improved or youthful appearance.

Pediatric Otolaryngology: A subspecialty of otolaryngology with special emphasis on ear, nose and throat problems in infants and children, and the pediatric airway. These specialists provide medical and surgical management of acute and chronic ear and sinus infections, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital neck masses, airway problems and hearing loss in infants and children.